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Selkirk College Shows Growth in New Programs and International Enrolment

Selkirk College Shows Growth in New Programs and International Enrolment

Oct 09 2013
Bolstered by a new pharmacy technician course and more international students on campus, September numbers point towards an increase in enrolment at Selkirk College.

Selkirk College’s 2013 fall enrolment numbers are showing an increase in the number of students.

Final semester calculations will be compiled for the end of October, but the annual September headcount reveals a 3.6 per cent increase in domestic students and a 21 per cent increase in international students.

Selkirk College students are able to enjoy the small class experience in a gorgeous rural setting.

“Although we are seeing enrollment fluctuations in a number of programs, there are also some clear positive signs,” says Neil Coburn, Selkirk College Vice President. “For example, we have the strongest Engineering enrollment in a dozen years. But the enrollment highlight is definitely a new online program serving pharmacy technicians across Canada. The September NAPRA [National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities] bridging program intake had more than 330 registrants. We expect even stronger registrations for the January intake.”

Selkirk Chosen to Spearhead Pharmacy Program

Selkirk College signed the agreement with NAPRA earlier this year and is the only college in Canada offering the online program.

The program allows those already working in the role of the pharmacy technician to upgrade their skills to align with changes in the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians without having to return to school to complete a full-time training program. The ultimate goal of the virtual classroom is to provide training across Canada and enable regulated pharmacy technicians to relocate and work anywhere in Canada without having to re-qualify.

Giving Students an Excellent Start in a Rural Setting

The Engineering program falls under the University Arts and Sciences department based in Castlegar and is part of Selkirk College’s emphasis of giving students an excellent start in a rural setting.

“The option for students to start their university degree in a more intimate setting is a distinct Selkirk College advantage,” says Coburn. “Engineering is just one example of the importance we place on transfer agreements with larger institutions.”

Shrinking the World in the Kootenay

The bump in international students is a product of work being done overseas in recent months, particularly in India.

“Selkirk College offers international students a great place to learn and explore a special region of Canada,” says Coburn. “Having these students on our campuses brings the added bonus of shrinking the world for our domestic students.”

In total there are 2,155 students currently registered in Selkirk College programs.

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